DRC Jewelry: The Anti-Bling

While a one carat diamond ring is worth several thousand dollars at your local jeweler; in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sierra Leone, oftentimes a one carat diamond is worth an 8-year old's arm, a 10-year old's leg, a 12-year old's life, a mother's sorrow, a country's genocide. For years now, people all across the continent of Africa have been paying for our jewelry with their lives.

Although the Kimberley process was enacted in 2002 to curb the amount of conflict diamonds that reach the market; it has not altogether eliminated the problem. Now, an equally serious issue has emerged; the type of problem that always arises when a resource-rich country doesn't have the proper infrastructure to support its inherent natural wealth. People, children especially, are dying to mine for riches. Although you may be able to avoid buying a conflict diamond, "there is no way to check whether that wedding ring or bracelet has been produced with the help of child labor", according to International Labor Organization mining expert Norman Jennings. In the DRC's gem-rich provinces, children spend hours in deep, unlit holes, digging out dirt and searching for diamonds, gold, cobalt and copper; for which they may receive a dollar. This system brings astounding profits to those in power, but judging from the growth in orphans, poverty, and mortality rates in countries like DRC; it brings little benefit to the local population. Diamonds are the top export in the DRC, yet the country remains one of the poorest.

Beauty and luxury shouldn't come at any price. And they should never come at the price of another's life. DRC Jewelry wants to give you an alternative to mainstream bling. We want to show you that beautiful jewelry can come from diverse means. We've partnered with Lussuouso Custom Jewelry to bring you custom designs that intrigue and inspire. Help us to support countries trying to sustain themselves by not supporting the diamond and gold trade until we can put prosperity back where it belongs -- in the hands of the people. The Democratic Republic of Congo is rich in natural resources, including gold and diamonds. But DRC's most important natural resource continues to be its people. Together we can make a difference. Lust for Life, Not Bling. DRC Jewelry. The Anti-Bling.